I thought I would take a few minutes on a Monday morning near the end of the season to reflect a little bit on coaching, and to provide another avenue for some of our top players.
As a coach, I do what I can to teach the kids the basics, remind them of tricks/traps, discuss openings, help them with puzzles, help them take notation, play slow, be good sports, etc. I believe I can train a new player and help bring them to the point where they are competitive. Mr. Reese taught me many good methods, as Randy taught him. Mr. Reese added his own ideas, and I have also added my own ideas.
At the beginning level for these players, I believe coaching is really the gift of TIME. Giving our time to help coordinate tournaments, and motivating the kids as best we can.
As a player, I am learning, just like all our kids. After the latest tournament, I'm probably somewhere between 1000-1100. Which means I still make some stupid mistakes. It would rank me THIRD on our chess team. Also, it is difficult to improve much more; my job keeps me very busy. I travel for work, and its about all I can do to carve out the 2 hours per week for the chess class at LDMS, and the USCF games on Thu nights, the tournaments on the weekends, etc. So, there is a limit to how much I can help our kids. I try my best, but I am limited by both skill and time.
THEREFORE, when a player gets around the 800-900 level, and IF they have the interest and the dedication to take their game farther, I strongly recommend additional instruction. For that instruction, I recommend VICA (Vaja International Chess Academy). I am proud to consider VICA is a partner to the LDMS Knights.
As you know, Reid and Evan have received coaching from Ashish Vaja. Not only is Ashish one of the top few players in WI, he is also a great instructor. He comes once per week for an hour to teach Reid and Evan some of the finer points. Though Ashish's training, as well as extra playing for the boys with the SW chess club on Thursday evenings and online, the boys have improved significantly, adding 300-400 to their ratings. When Ashish is here, the boys are 100% into the lessons. He talks with them like a friend, and offers them interesting and informative lessons every time. But it's not just about Ashish. Chris T is now working with Matt, from the VICA team. Chris and his Mom, Marijo, are very happy so far with Matt's instruction, and we have seen growth already in just a few weeks with Chris.
I also want to thank Mr. Reese, who continues to be a powerful influence in Muskego chess. Mr. Reese has done some great things with our kids, and always has a great deal to offer as an instructor and as President of the WSCA, an emerging chess association offering instruction and tournaments for WI scholastic players. Mr. Reese also works with Ashish - Ashish is a board member for the WSCA.
My next post will be about VICA and their team. I strongly recommend that our stronger players consider working with VICA.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Remaining Chess Events for 08-09 Season
With the chess season winding down, there are still a couple of major events to keep on your calendar!!!
- Apr 3,4,5 – Supernationals IV- Nashville, TN- This is the BIG ONE! So far, Reid, Evan, Kolt and Chris T. are going. Please see Mr. Seghers, we are looking for both K-5 Open players (unlimited rating) and K-5 Under 900 players (USCF rating must be under 900 or unrated). Reid and Kolt are partners for the Bughouse tournament and Evan and Chris, and the four of them are playing as a team for K-6 Blitz.
- Apr 18, 19 - WSCF Wisconsin State Championships – Wisconsin Dells – Kalahari Resort – The Seghers family will be out of town this weekend most likely, but What a great way to end the WSCF season! Chess at a Water Park! Looking for one or more of the parents to lead the chess team this weekend.
- April 26 - Ronald Reagan tournament - New Berlin - This tournament is held by the WSCA, and information will be available ASAP.
- May 9 - Future Stars of Chess - Muskego Mill Valley - Mr. Reese is holding his annual Mill Valley tournament. Lots of fun, lots of trophies. Let's bring him some great participation! Click here for details.
- July 10-12 - USCF Junior Open - Milwaukee Marriott West - This is a huge annual tournament for junior chess players. There are three sections based on age: Under 21, Under 15, Under 11. Click here for details.
- August 2009 (TBD) - 2009 Muskego Barn Blitz - We will be having a Blitz tournament in our barn. There will be a K6, K12 and Parents/Friends Division. Between rounds, players and parents can cool off in the pool, or take a paddle boat ride. Details to come!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Knights are State Champions
The Knights of Lake Denoon are now the State elemetary school Chess Champions! 415 players from all around Wisconsin traveled to Oshkosh to compete in several divisions including K-5, K-8, JV and Varsity.
Congratulations to our K-5 team of Reid, Evan, Brian, Brady, Chris, Kolt, Josh, Rachel and Zeke, who won the state championship this weekend in Oshkosh! Trophy winners were Reid, Evan and Brian. In K-8, Jacob played alone and beat three very highly rated players.
Lake Denoon won the "traveling cup" which will have our school name on it, and will be displayed until next year, at Lake Denoon Middle School!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Lake Denoon Library Adding Chess Books
Anybody recommend any good chess books? I am compiling a list for the LDMS library. I have about 20 books on it so far. Included are: (with comments by a different coach and blog author)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess– GM Patrick Wolff - Don’t let the title fool you! This is an excellent book for beginners over the age of 10 (youngsters would have to be helped by an older reader – it written for adult-level readers). It covers not only how to play, but many of the same tips I give my students. Good for students up to the 1400 level! The final third of the book is more advanced and can be put away for later (after doing books in Fundamentals) This book is widely distributed.
Chess Workbook for Children - Todd Bardwick - excellent workbook at a young beginner level. (read the Chessville review)
Winning Chess Puzzles for Kids - Jeff Coakley - I would think that if a youngster went through Bardwick's book and then this one, it would be about as good a start as could be imagined. Chess puzzles are a great way to learn tactics... and tactics are critical for beginning and intermediate players...
Square One – Bruce Pandolfini – A book to teach young beginners how to play.
Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol I - GM Lev Alburt - Teaches you how to play with some great basic problems and concepts. Alburt's series is based on the official Soviet training method! Can sometimes be purchased with Vol II.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Chess– GM Patrick Wolff - Don’t let the title fool you! This is an excellent book for beginners over the age of 10 (youngsters would have to be helped by an older reader – it written for adult-level readers). It covers not only how to play, but many of the same tips I give my students. Good for students up to the 1400 level! The final third of the book is more advanced and can be put away for later (after doing books in Fundamentals) This book is widely distributed.
Chess Workbook for Children - Todd Bardwick - excellent workbook at a young beginner level. (read the Chessville review)
Winning Chess Puzzles for Kids - Jeff Coakley - I would think that if a youngster went through Bardwick's book and then this one, it would be about as good a start as could be imagined. Chess puzzles are a great way to learn tactics... and tactics are critical for beginning and intermediate players...
Square One – Bruce Pandolfini – A book to teach young beginners how to play.
Comprehensive Chess Course, Vol I - GM Lev Alburt - Teaches you how to play with some great basic problems and concepts. Alburt's series is based on the official Soviet training method! Can sometimes be purchased with Vol II.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
State Scholastic Championship Update
State Scholastic Championship Update
The following LDMS players are registered for the State Scholastic. All are 5th graders in K-5 scholastic, except Jacob Glumm who is K-8 scholastic. Update 3/18- welcome Zeke!
1. Reid Seghers K-5
2. Evan Seghers K-5
3. Kolt Otterbacher K-5
4. Joshua Bartz K-5
5. Chris Tillson K-5
6. Brian Schroeder K-5
7. Brady Megal K-5
8. Rachel Gomoll K-5
9. Zeke Baker K-5
10. Jacob Glumm K-8
Most people are staying at the Comfort Suites in Oshkosh I believe. Seghers family is arriving on Fri evening around 6. Mark has a coaches meeting at 9pm. Everyone should plan on arriving to Gruenhagen Hall around 8:30am. We have a team room, please let me know if you need location. Email has been sent out.
The following LDMS players are registered for the State Scholastic. All are 5th graders in K-5 scholastic, except Jacob Glumm who is K-8 scholastic. Update 3/18- welcome Zeke!
1. Reid Seghers K-5
2. Evan Seghers K-5
3. Kolt Otterbacher K-5
4. Joshua Bartz K-5
5. Chris Tillson K-5
6. Brian Schroeder K-5
7. Brady Megal K-5
8. Rachel Gomoll K-5
9. Zeke Baker K-5
10. Jacob Glumm K-8
Most people are staying at the Comfort Suites in Oshkosh I believe. Seghers family is arriving on Fri evening around 6. Mark has a coaches meeting at 9pm. Everyone should plan on arriving to Gruenhagen Hall around 8:30am. We have a team room, please let me know if you need location. Email has been sent out.
Coming up Roses Again at Rose Glen
Congratulations again to the Lake Denoon Knights 5th graders, who rocked Rose Glen, scoring 16 out of a possible 20 points and winning one of the tougher K-6 divisions we've faced with several players over 1000 rating, and several more over 700.
Reid took first place individually in K-6, going 5-0 and edging out the top seed, Sarfaras.
Kolt, Josh and ChrisT also played on our four-person K-6 team. Three of the team finished in the top 8, and all four in the top 18, in the 68-player division.
New tournament journeyman Jacob Glumm was our lone K-8 participant, taking 6th place and just missing a trophy. Jacob has been playing online, and is improving on a daily basis!
Way to go Lake Denoon Knights! You are having a great year.
Reid took first place individually in K-6, going 5-0 and edging out the top seed, Sarfaras.
Kolt, Josh and ChrisT also played on our four-person K-6 team. Three of the team finished in the top 8, and all four in the top 18, in the 68-player division.
New tournament journeyman Jacob Glumm was our lone K-8 participant, taking 6th place and just missing a trophy. Jacob has been playing online, and is improving on a daily basis!
Way to go Lake Denoon Knights! You are having a great year.
Friday, March 13, 2009
State Championship Details for Defending Co-Champs
Please see details below for the state championship next weekend in Oshkosh WI. Most parents are staying at the Comfort Suites in Oshkosh right off 41. 400 South Koeller Street , Oshkosh, WI, US, 54902 Phone: (920) 230-7378. Dorm rooms are also available right at the Gruenhagen center, for either $35 or $25, details below.
Below are tournament details. Just RSVP to me via email (Please do not register on your own) and I will register your child. You can pay me at the event. Please RSVP... Remember, many of our kids are last year's (co) defending state champions! This year it would be fun to try to win it on our own! The kids are on a great run, and not only is this a memorable tournament for them, it is a heck of a lot of fun.
2009 WISCONSIN SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS - DETAILS
March 21-22
The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Championship is a six-section event open to any Wisconsin high school, middle school, junior high school or elementary school team or individual. Players of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
Please note that USCF membership is not required for this event nor is it USCF rated. USCF ratings will be used for pairing purposes if the player has one. The Junior Varsity, K-8 and K-5 sections will play six rounds. LDMS will have a K-5 and K-8 team.
Game Times: Junior Varsity, K-8 and K-5
Saturday:
Round 1 - 9:30 - Please be there by 830 if you can! We are staying overnight on Fri nite, or you can choose to drive early Sat. Please make sure to FEED your child between 11 and 1145. Limit sugar intake (the corresponding "crash" can affect a child mentally during the longer games). Protein is recommended.
Round 2 - Noon
Round 3 - 2:30 - I recommend a small snack between round 3 and 4, to maintain energy until dinner time!
Round 4 - 5:00 - Expect to be back to the hotel around 7 or 730- remember our kids need to play slow! We can order pizza back to the hotel pool area (this worked GREAT last time), or go somewhere. The Red Robin is nearby.
Sunday:
Round 5 - 9:00
Round 6 - 12:30- Games should be done around 230, then the awards at 3-ish... they're pretty quick. Should get back to Milwaukee by 6 or 630 I would guess.
Below are tournament details. Just RSVP to me via email (Please do not register on your own) and I will register your child. You can pay me at the event. Please RSVP... Remember, many of our kids are last year's (co) defending state champions! This year it would be fun to try to win it on our own! The kids are on a great run, and not only is this a memorable tournament for them, it is a heck of a lot of fun.
2009 WISCONSIN SCHOLASTIC CHESS CHAMPIONSHIPS - DETAILS
March 21-22
The Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Championship is a six-section event open to any Wisconsin high school, middle school, junior high school or elementary school team or individual. Players of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
Please note that USCF membership is not required for this event nor is it USCF rated. USCF ratings will be used for pairing purposes if the player has one. The Junior Varsity, K-8 and K-5 sections will play six rounds. LDMS will have a K-5 and K-8 team.
Game Times: Junior Varsity, K-8 and K-5
Saturday:
Round 1 - 9:30 - Please be there by 830 if you can! We are staying overnight on Fri nite, or you can choose to drive early Sat. Please make sure to FEED your child between 11 and 1145. Limit sugar intake (the corresponding "crash" can affect a child mentally during the longer games). Protein is recommended.
Round 2 - Noon
Round 3 - 2:30 - I recommend a small snack between round 3 and 4, to maintain energy until dinner time!
Round 4 - 5:00 - Expect to be back to the hotel around 7 or 730- remember our kids need to play slow! We can order pizza back to the hotel pool area (this worked GREAT last time), or go somewhere. The Red Robin is nearby.
Sunday:
Round 5 - 9:00
Round 6 - 12:30- Games should be done around 230, then the awards at 3-ish... they're pretty quick. Should get back to Milwaukee by 6 or 630 I would guess.
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